Method and device for automatically inserting documents for displaying on a display device and/or copying in a digitising device

ABSTRACT

In connection with a method for automatically inserting documents to be displayed on a display device and/or copied in a digitizing device, such as microfiches, microfilm jackets or the like, in which process one document at a time is transported from a stack of documents to be processed to a document support and from there to a deposit magazine for the processed documents, provision is made according to the invention that the top document of a stack of documents contained in the holding magazine is pulled up by suction to about the level of the document support and the remaining stack is subsequently retained by suction acting in the opposite direction; the document pulled up by suction is transported sideways to the document support, and deposited on said support by terminating the suction effect, and the document is then picked up by suction again after it has been processed, and is transported to the deposit magazine.

[0001] The invention relates to a method for automatically insertingdocuments such a microfiches, microfilm jackets or the like to bedisplayed on a display device and/or copied in a digitizing device. Insaid method, documents are conveyed one at a time from a holdingmagazine from a stack of documents to be processed to a documentsupport, and from there to a deposit magazine for the processeddocuments, as specified in the introductory part of claim 1. Theinvention, furthermore, relates to a device for carrying out the method.

[0002] In light of the fact that the amount of documents that has to bedigitized for more comfortable handling and for space reasons incompanies, administrative offices and hospitals has grown in the courseof time, the time factor plays an important role in connection with thedigitizing and filing of such documents.

[0003] A commonly employed method for said purpose is to insert thedocuments individually under the digitizing device by hand and to removethem again manually after they have copied and digitized.

[0004] Due to the complicated handling of the documents during feeding,for example when processing microfilm jackets, a put-through of only 30to 60 jackets per hour can be achieved, which means that new jacketswould have to be continually inserted by hand at about 1- to 2-minuteintervals. This requires the constant presence of a person while thedigitizing device is being operated.

[0005] Patent application 198 46 899.7 describes an automated method anda device adapted to said method. It is possible with the help of saidmethod and device to significantly increase the processing speed. Thedevice described in said patent operates with purely mechanical means,which makes the device susceptible to trouble and maintenance-intensive.

[0006] Therefore, the invention is based on the problem of controllingor designing a method and a device of the type specified above in such amanner that the expenditure in terms of engineering expenditure remainslow; that only a few moving parts are present; and that a reliable modeof operation is achieved nonetheless.

[0007] The invention solves said problem according to the characterizingpart of claim 1 in that the top document is lifted up by suction from astack of documents contained in a holding magazine, to about the levelof the document support, and the remaining stack is subsequently kept inthe holding magazine by suction in the opposite direction; the documentpulled up by suction is then transported to the document supportsideways and deposited on the document support by cancelling the suctioneffect. After the document has been processed, it is lifted up again bysuction and transported to the deposit magazine.

[0008] A possible way of controlling the method is represented by thefollowing sequence:

[0009] The holding magazine is filled.

[0010] No document is present on the document support.

[0011] The deposit magazine is emptied.

[0012] The pump generating the suction effect is shut off.

[0013] The suction element is positioned above the filled magazine,while the depositing element is positioned above the still-empty depositmagazine.

[0014] The suction device is started.

[0015] At least one document is lifted from the stack by suction.

[0016] This causes the vacuum to rise and a limit pressure valve isopened.

[0017] Any other document that may adhere to the document is removed andsucked back into the magazine; the remaining stack is retained.

[0018] The vacuum is controlled down to a lower value.

[0019] The document lifted by suction is displaced sideways to thedocument support.

[0020] The suction device is shut off (so that the vacuum will rapidlybreak down; either a bypass valve is opened and the outlet side of thesuction device is briefly closed, or the drive of the suction device isslowed down electrically or mechanically).

[0021] The vacuum breaks down; the document drops onto the documentsupport.

[0022] The document is digitized.

[0023] Following digitizing, the document is lifted from the documentsupport by suction effect as well and transported to the depositmagazine.

[0024] Simultaneous with the lifting of the digitized document from thedocument support, the next document is collected from the holdingmagazine by suction.

[0025] According to a preferred way of controlling the method, inconnection with which the limit pressure valve and the second conveyormeans transporting the processed document from the document support tothe deposit magazine are omitted, the operational sequence is asfollows:

[0026] The holding magazine is filled.

[0027] No document is present on the document support.

[0028] The deposit magazine is emptied.

[0029] The transport means lifting the document by suction is positionedon top of the filled magazine.

[0030] The suction device located in the transport means is started.

[0031] At least one document is lifted from the stack by suction.

[0032] The suction openings in the transport means are closed, whicheither actuates a microswitch arranged within the zone of said suctionopenings, said microswitch generating a signal for cancelling the returnsuction effect (such a sensor may be located also in another site).

[0033] The documents lifted by suction is displaced sideways to thedocument support.

[0034] The suction device in the transport means is shut down.

[0035] The vacuum breaks down; the document drops onto the documentsupport.

[0036] The transport means is driven away from the document supportsideways.

[0037] The document is digitized.

[0038] Following digitizing, the document is again picked up from thedocument support by the transport means and transported to the depositmagazine.

[0039] After the transport means has ejected the processed document intothe deposit magazine, it drives back into the original position abovethe holding magazine and the sequence starts anew.

[0040] A device according to claim 11 is employed in connection withthis second variation of the method. Said device is characterized inthat the plane board provided with the suction openings is part of ahousing that is displaceable on guides and divided in two part areas bymeans of a partition wall, whereby one of the part areas is arrangedlocated above the suction openings and can be evacuated by means of asuction blower arranged in the second part area, whereby said secondpart area has an opening that is aligned with an opening in the holdingmagazine in such a way that the air aspirated from the first part areais received in the double-walled bottom part of the holding magazine.

[0041] This means that as long as no document adheres to the planeboard, covering the suction openings located there, the air moved by thesuction blower circulates through the openings in the double-walledbottom area that are aligned with each other, and from there through theopenings in the side walls of the magazine and then through the suctionopenings in the plane board to the suction blower.

[0042] Now, when a document engaged by suction adheres to said planeboard, the suction openings are closed and the flow of air isinterrupted.

[0043] A second suction blower located in the bottom zone of the holdingmagazine is now activated, causing the inner cavity in the holdingmagazine to be evacuated, so that the remaining stack present in thecontainer is retained and only one single document actually adheres tothe plane board of the transport means. As stated above, provision maybe made in the plane board for a microswitch serving as the means fortriggering the second suction blower, said microswitch being pressedthrough the document engaged by suction.

[0044] Such a microswitch, furthermore, offers the advantage that thedocument is actively repelled by spring force of said microswitch, whichsupports the effect of gravity.

[0045] A second possibility for triggering the second suction blower isto make provision in the flow of air of the first suction blower for amicroswitch that is deflectable against the force of a spring. Saidmicroswitch pivots back into its switching position when the flow of airis interrupted as a document is being engaged by suction.

[0046] The aspirated document is deposited on a document support which,according to claim 15, is preferably comprised of a frameworkcorresponding with the document. A glass panel covering the document ispivot-mounted on said frame.

[0047] The glass panel needs to be arranged on the frame only whenrequired because it is not absolutely required when microfiches aredigitized, but needed for digitizing microfilm jackets.

[0048] According to claim 17, the frame consists of hollow profiles,whereby the profile walls disposed on the inner side have openings attheir ends pointing at the document, and the cavities in the hollowprofiles can be evacuated. The profile walls of the frame disposed onthe inner side have a defined inclination, so that when the document tobe digitized drops down, a self-centering effect is achieved. As soon asthe document is positioned in the frame, the cavities of the frame areevacuated, so that a vacuum is generated below the document that flatlypresses the document against the support.

[0049] As stated above, said vacuum suffices for completely pressing amicrofiche plane against the support without the need of having to placea glass panel on the microfiche.

[0050] When a microfilm jacket is processed, the application of thevacuum causes the underside of the microfilm jacket to be pressedagainst the support. However, the pocket-shaped receiving strips forreceiving the document do not possess such planeness, so that it isnecessary in this case to additionally attach a glass panel.

[0051] After the digitizing process has been completed, the glass panelis swiveled away upwards. The vacuum below the document is stillmaintained so that the document cannot remain adhered to the glass paneldriving up.

[0052] As soon as the glass panel has been swiveled away to the rear,the transport means drives on top of the document support and engagesthe digitized document by suction. On the way to the holding magazine,the transport means ejects the documents above the deposit magazine.According to claim 20, the deposit magazine is located on the bottom ofa housing that is provided with an opening at its upper sidecorresponding with the dimensions of the document. A guide means isextending from said opening to the deposit magazine. Said guide means isdesigned in such a way that the document dropping through the openingdescribes a path turning the document by 180°.

[0053] According to claim 16, the glass panel flattening the documentsis secured with play on two U-shaped cantilevered arms. Saidcantilevered arms can be pivoted by means of an electric motor,swiveling from the covering position to a release position. The U-shapedcantilevered arms extend beyond the profile of one side of the frame ofthe document support. A driving means is secured on the shaft of theelectric motor. During rotation, said driving means takes along a pinsecured on one of the cantilevered arms, thereby causing the glass platesecured on the cantilevered arms to be pivoted upwards.

[0054] Said construction has the advantage that the glass panel can bepivoted upwards by hand as well without actuating the motor.

[0055] The glass panel must not be supported in any rigid manner so asto assure that it will always rest plane on the document in each case.

[0056] According to claim 18, the glass panel is secured on thecantilevered arms by means of a ribbon that is adhesive on both sides.This adhesive ribbon is elastic and acts like another bearing permittinga smaller angular clearance. The bearings of the cantilevered arms havea certain play as well.

[0057] In addition, near the adhesive connection, the cantilevered armsmay comprise an additional joint permitting a clearance of a few angulardegrees.

[0058] According to claim 21, the deposit magazine is arranged locatedbetween the holding magazine and the document support. This results inshorter distances for the transport means to travel.

[0059] However, it is possible also, as proposed in claim 22, that thedocument support is arranged between the holding magazine and thedeposit magazine. Especially in connection with such an embodiment,provision is made according to claim 23 that a second transport means isprovided for transporting the document from the document support to thedeposit magazine. Said second transport means is capable of pivoting byan angle of about 150° anticlockwise, and by about 210° clockwise, in aplane extending perpendicular to the plane of the document support. Theadvantage of such an embodiment lies in that as the processed documentis being picked up by said second transport means, the first transportmeans is capable of engaging by suction a new document for digitizing.

[0060] The second transport means pivots the document it has picked upby suction in such a manner that is comes to rest in a slanted plane.When the suction effect is cancelled, the document can then slide fromthere into the deposit magazine under the influence of gravity, comingto rest in the deposit magazine turned by 180° in relation to itsstarting position. As also in connection with the first alternative(claim 20), what is achieved in this way is that the processed documentscan be collected again from the deposit magazine in the same sequence,i.e. the documents are deposited in the deposit magazine in the sameorder as in the holding magazine.

[0061] According to claim 24, in the course of the pivoting movement ofthe second transport means, slots provided in the pivot guide open andthen connect the suction opening or openings in the board with thesuction device or separate such opening(s) from the latter.

[0062] In connection with a transport means of the last-mentioned type,it is possible to primarily establish a connection with the atmosphereby way of closable openings positioned above the suction openings in thetransport mean. The release of the document from the slanted board ofthe transport means is supported and facilitated in this way by theeffect of gravity.

[0063] With all variations of the invention, it is absolutely necessaryfor the “separation” function for separating the documents in theholding magazine that a gap is available between the board provided withthe suction openings and the top edges of the side parts of the holdingmagazine. Without such a gap, it is not possible to remove anotherdocument which may adhere to the first document previously engaged bysuction—by suction in the opposite direction. The width of the gap canbe set by means of elevations provided on the top edges of the sideparts. Such elevations may serve at the same time as guides fordisplacing the board sideways.

[0064] However, it is preferred that provision is made that such gapareas are produced, for example by wheels on which the transport meanscan be driven. The wheels are dimensioned in such a way that the bottomclearance of the transport means is adequate for producing the gap.

[0065] The invention is explained in greater detail in the followingwith the help of drawings, in which:

[0066]FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of a first variation of theinvention.

[0067]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the holding magazine with thetransport means arranged thereon, in a first embodiment according tovariation 1.

[0068]FIG. 3 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 2 in a secondembodiment according to variation 1.

[0069]FIG. 4 shows a second variation of the device.

[0070]FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the holding magazine with thetransport means positioned on top of said magazine.

[0071]FIG. 6 shows the bottom plate of the transport means with suctionopenings.

[0072]FIG. 7 is a partly sectional side view of a document support.

[0073]FIG. 8 shows the document support according to FIG. 7 with thetransport means positioned on top; and

[0074]FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the document support with theinserted document and the glass panel placed on top.

[0075]FIG. 1 basically represents a device for digitizing documents suchas microfiches, microfilm jackets or the like. Said device is generallydenoted by reference numeral 1.

[0076] Said device is substantially comprised of three components,notably the document feed system 2, the actual digitizing device 3,which, however, is only indicated, and the document discharge system 4.The digitizing device 3 is comprised of the digitizer 4 and a documentsupport 5.

[0077] The document feed system 2 is comprised of a holding magazine 6and a transport means 7 arranged above said magazine. The transportmeans 7 picks up the document from the holding magazine 6 and drivessideways on top of the document support 5, on which the document is thendeposited.

[0078] The holding magazine 6 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and3. The transport means 7 is comprised of a plane board 8, in whichprovision is made for the suction openings 9. Said suction openings feedinto a box-shaped chamber 10, which is arranged on the board 8. A line11 consisting of a flexible hose is connected with the upper wall of thebox 10, said line leading to a vacuum pump 12. Another line 13 alsoconsisting of a flexible hose is connected in the bottom of the holdingmagazine 6 and connected to the vacuum pump 12 as well. A limit pressurevalve 14 is arranged in the line 13. So as to assure that the documentis engaged by suction, a connection is provided leading from the line 13to the environment. Such a connection can be established in the form ofa permanently open bypass line 30 located above the valve 14.Alternatively, the valve 14 can be designed in such a way that when theline 13 is not connected with the line 20 (at low or no vacuum), theline 13 is connected with the environment via an additional connection.When the valve 14 connects the lines 13 and 20 (at high vacuum), theconnection of the line 13 to the environment is closed. A bypass line 15with a bypass valve 16 leads from the limit pressure valve 14 to theline 11. The discharge device 4 is comprised of a deposit magazine 17 aswell as another transport means 18, which may consist of a board-likeelement as well, in which provision is made for at least one suctionopening. The board 18 is pivot-mounted, swinging about the axle ofrotation 19. The suction opening provided in the board 18 is connectedwith the vacuum pump 12 via openings (not shown) located in the zone ofthe rotary axle 19 and via a line 20 consisting of a flexible hose. Whenthe board 18 is in the position shown by dashed lines, the openings inthe zone of the rotary axle 19 are open, whereas they are closed whenthe board is in the position indicated by the fully drawn lines.

[0079] When in the position indicated by the dashed lines, the board 18is displaced sideways over the document support 5. However, said board18 can be arranged also in such a way that the position above thedocument support 5 is assumed by displacing the board from the positionshown by the fully drawn lines into the position indicated by the dashedlines solely by means of the swiveling motion.

[0080] Furthermore, a closable opening is provided in the board 18.

[0081] The operational sequence is explained with the help of FIG. 1 asfollows:

[0082] The holding magazine 6 is filled with a stack of documents. Thelimit pressure valve 14 and the bypass valve 16 are closed. Thetransport means 7 is positioned above the holding magazine. A gap 21 ispresent between the board 8 of the transport 7 and the top edge of theholding magazine 6. The top document in the holding magazine 6 isengaged by suction by the transport means 7 and closes the suctionopenings 9 as it is being picked up. The limit pressure valve 14 is nowopened. The stack of documents remaining in the holding magazine 6 isengaged by suction and any other documents that might possibly adhere tothe document being picked up by suction are engaged by suction at thesame time. The vacuum is controlled down to a lower value. The transportmeans with the document adhering to it is displaced sideways over thedocument support 5. The vacuum pump is shut off. So that the vacuum iscancelled rapidly and the document can drop onto the document support 5,the bypass valve 16 is opened. Alternatively, it is possible also tobriefly close the blow-off side of the vacuum pump, or the motor of thevacuum pump can be braked electrically or mechanically.

[0083] After the document has been placed on the document support 5, thetransport means 7 drives back into its starting position. The documentis now digitized in the digitizing device 3. After the digitizingprocess has been completed, the transport means 18 drives on top of thedocument support 5. The openings within the zone of rotation 19 of theboard 19 are opened, which establishes the connection with the vacuumpump. By swiveling the board 18 by about 210° clockwise, the board 18 islaterally received on the deposit magazine 17. The openings within thezone of rotation 19 of the board are closed again by the swivelingmovement and the additional opening provided in the board 18 is opened,so that a pressure compensation with the environment occurs. Thedocument automatically slides into the deposit magazine 17.

[0084] As the document is being attached by suction to the board 18 fromthe document support 5, the next document is picked up by suction by thetransport means 7 at the same time while the limit pressure valve 14 andthe bypass valve 16 are being closed, and the operational sequence ofthe process is repeated as described above.

[0085] Owing to the fact that the board 18 is pivoted after the suctionprocess by approximately 210° clockwise, the documents are received inthe deposit magazine in the correct sequence, but turned by 180°.

[0086]FIGS. 2 and 3 show two exemplified embodiments of the holdingmagazine 6 with the associated transport means 7. The holding magazine 6is comprised of a container with a double-walled bottom part 22 and theside parts 23, which are double-walled as well. Provision is made forthe openings 24, 25 both in the inner wall of the bottom part 22 and inthe inner wall of the side parts 23, whereby the openings 25 in the sideparts can be closed.

[0087] The elevations 26 are attached to the top edges of the side parts23. Said elevations serve for creating the gap 21 between the holdingmagazine 6 and the board 8 of the transport means 7.

[0088] The closable openings 25 in the area of the inner walls of theside parts 23 serve for optimizing the flow conditions when the topdocument is picked up by suction from the document stack 27 (openings25=closed), as well as when sucking back documents adhering to thedocuments lifted by suction (openings 25=opened).

[0089] The representations in FIGS. 2 and 3 are different only onaccount of the dimensions of the elements described above and aretherefore denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0090]FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the device as defined bythe invention.

[0091] Said device is comprised of a holding magazine 40, which is shownin FIG. 5 on a larger scale; a deposit magazine 41; and a documentsupport 42, which is shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 in greater detail. As shownin FIGS. 4 and 5, a transport means for the documents to be processed ispositioned above the holding magazine 40 and generally denoted by thereference numeral 43.

[0092] The holding magazine 40 is located in the upper zone of a housing44 in such a way that the side parts of the holding magazine 40 aredouble-walled and that the bottom of the magazine is double-walled aswell. The slot-shaped openings 46 are located in the inner side walls45, whereas the inner bottom of the holding magazine 40 forms a closedsurface. An opening 47 is located laterally next to the holding magazine40 in the top side of the housing 44. Said opening is separated from theholding magazine 40 by means of a partition wall 48 not extending allthe way down to the bottom of the housing 44.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a transport means 43 that can bedisplaced sideways is positioned above the holding magazine 40. Saidtransport means has a housing 49, which is divided in the two part areas51 and 52 by means of a partition wall 50. The larger part area 52 islocated directly above the holding magazine 40 and has the suctionopenings 54, which are arranged in the form of a matrix in the bottomarea 53. An opening 55 is provided in the bottom part 53 of the partarea 51. When in the position shown, said opening 55 is aligned with theopening 47. A suction blower 56 is arranged in the partition wall 50.Said blower exhausts air from the part area 52 and thus through thesuction openings 54 from the holding magazine, and blows the exhaustedair into the housing 44 via the opening 55 and the opening 47.

[0094] The transport means 43 or housing 49 can be displaced sideways onthe rails 57 by means of the wheels 75. The wheels 75 and the rails 57are arranged in this connection in such a way that an air gap remainsavailable between the top side of the housing 44 and the bottom area 53of the transport means 43.

[0095] Another suction blower 59 is arranged in the housing 44, namelyin the side wall 58. Said additional suction blower evacuates theinterior of the housing 44. In the present exemplified embodiment, theaspirated air is blown through an opening in the housing 60 of thedeposit magazine 41 and into the latter. The deposit magazine 41 islocated in the lower area of the housing 60, notably at the end of acurved guide means 61, which starts at the top side of the housing 60.Provision is made there for an opening 62. The dimensions of saidopening approximately correspond with the dimensions of a document to beprocessed.

[0096] The curved guide means 61 is designed in such a way that adocument ejected from the transport means 43 and dropped into theopening 62 is turned on its way by 180° as it is being transported up tothe deposit magazine 41.

[0097] The document support 42, which is described in greater detailwith the help of FIGS. 7 to 9, is located on the side of the depositmagazine 41 that is facing away from the holding magazine 40. Thedocument support 42 is substantially comprised of a rectangularframework 63, which is arranged on a transparent substrate 64 belowwhich an illuminating device is arranged. The framework consists ofhollow profiles, whereby the inner profile sides pointing at one anotherare slanted, so that a funnel-like structure is obtained which servesthe purpose of self-centering of the documents ejected by the transportmeans 43. The cavities 65 of the hollow profiles are communicativelyconnected with the atmosphere via the slot-like openings 66 locatedbetween the lower edge of the inner profile sides and the substrate 64.Said cavities 65 can be evacuated by means of a suction device notshown.

[0098] On the rear side of the framework 63, a glass panel 68 isarranged on a rotary bearing 66 by means of the U-shaped cantileveredarms 67 and secured on the front end of the cantilevered arms.

[0099] On one of the cantilevered arms, provision is made for a lug 69against which a pin 71 secured on the shaft of an electric motor 70 canbe driven, so that the glass panel 68 can be pivoted from a coveringposition (the glass panel is positioned within the framework on thedocument positioned underneath it—see FIG. 9) up into the position shownin FIG. 8.

[0100]FIG. 8 shows the situation in which the transport means 43 with adocument clinging to it by suction has been driven into the positionabove the document holder 42. FIG. 8 also shows that the hollow profilesserve at the same time as guide rails for the wheels of the transportmeans 43.

[0101] The glass panel 68 is preferably secured on the cantilevered arm67 by means of ribbons which are adhesive on both sides. The adhesiveribbon is elastic and acts as an additional bearing permitting a lesseramount of angular play. In this way, and also due to adequate tolerancein the bearings (bearing and shaft of the geared motor), the glass panelis provided with adequate clearance for flatly resting on the documentin any case.

[0102]FIG. 9 shows that the cantilevered arms 67 are connected with eachother by means of one or also two crossties.

[0103] The operational sequence of this device is described as follows:

[0104] A stack (not shown) of documents to be processed, for exampledigitized such as microfiches or microfilm jackets is contained in theholding magazine 40. The transport means 43 is driven on top of theholding magazine 40 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The glass panel 68 islocated in the position shown in FIG. 8.

[0105] The suction blower 56 is now started. This causes a document tobe removed by suction from the holding magazine 40 and to be attached tothe bottom plate 53 of the housing 49, whereby such document closes thesuction openings 54. This actuates a microswitch 73 located in saidbottom plate 53, which triggers a signal by which the suction blower 59is started. The suction blower 59 evacuates the housing 44, whereby theremaining stack is retained in the holding magazine 40 due to theslot-like openings 46 in the side walls of the holding magazine, and dueto the gap present between the transport means 43 and the holdingmagazine 40. This assures that only one document will adhere to thetransport means 43.

[0106] However, it is possible also to dispense with said microswitch 73and to make provision instead for a microswitch 74 located in the flowpath of the air blown by the suction blower 56 through the openings 55and 47. Said microswitch 74 is deflected by the flow of air against theforce of a spring. Once a document has been picked up by suction, i.e.once the suction openings 54 have been closed, the flow of air isinterrupted and the switch 74 pivots back into the starting position.This generates a signal that actuates the suction blower 59 as well.

[0107] A third possibility is to make provision for a defined timefactor defining a time span after which the transport means 43 starts todrive in the direction of the document holder 42 after the suctionactivity of the suction blower 56 has started.

[0108] The transport means 43, with the document adhering to itsunderside, is driven across the housing 60 of the deposit magazine 41until it is positioned directly above the document support 42 (see FIG.8). The suction blower 56 is then shut off and the document drops intothe document support 42.

[0109] In the embodiment of the variation comprising the microswitch 73,the spring force of the microswitch 73 serves for supporting saidejection movement.

[0110] The transport means 43 drives in the direction of the housing 60of the deposit magazine 41. The glass panel 68 is placed on thedocument. Now, the digitizing process takes place after the document hasbeen optionally attached by suction to the substrate 64 due to theevacuation of the cavities 65 of the framework 63. After the digitizingprocess has been completed, the glass panel 68 pivots again upwards,whereby the document remains attached to the substrate 64 due to thestill-prevailing vacuum. Said vacuum is subsequently cancelled; thetransport means 43 drives on top of the document support 42, picks upthe digitized document by suction, and drives back and on top of thehousing 60 of the deposit magazine 41, and, after the blower 56 has beenshut off, drops the document through the opening 52 and via the guide 61into the deposit magazine 41. Thereafter, the transport means 43 drivesagain on top of the holding magazine 40 and the operational sequencedescribed above is repeated again.

1. A method for automatically inserting documents to be displayed on adisplay device and/or copied in a digitizing device, such asmicrofiches, microfilm jackets and the like, in connection with whichone document at a time is transported from a holding magazine forreceiving a stack of documents to be processed, to a document support,and from there to a deposit magazine for receiving the processeddocument, characterized in that from a stack of documents contained inthe holding magazine, the top document is pulled up by suction to aboutthe level of the document support, and the remaining stack issubsequently retained in the holding magazine by suction in the oppositedirection; the document picked up by suction is transported sideways tothe document support, and placed on the latter by terminating thesuction effect, and after the document has been processed, it is engagedagain by suction and transported to the deposit magazine.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the transport movement fromthe holding magazine to the document support starts only after it hasbeen determined by means of a sensor that a document has been picked upby suction.
 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized inthat the document deposited on the document support is covered by meansof a glass panel.
 4. The method according to claims 1 to 3,characterized in that the document transported to the position above thedocument support is dropped onto the document support with springsupport after the suction effect has been cancelled.
 5. The methodaccording to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that thedocument is picked up by a transport means from the holding magazine bysuction, deposited on the document support, picked up again by suctionby the same transport means after the digitizing process has beencompleted, and is then dropped into the deposit magazine on the way backto the holding magazine.
 6. The method according to any one of claims 1to 4, characterized in that the document is picked up from the holdingmagazine by a transport means by suction, deposited on the documentsupport, picked up again by suction by a second transport means afterthe digitizing process has been completed, and is then deposited by saidsecond transport means in the deposit magazine.
 7. The method accordingto claim 6, characterized in that after the document has been picked upby the document support, it is turned on the way to the deposit magazineby about 150° anticlockwise, or by about 210° clockwise, and slidesinclined into the deposit magazine after the suction effect has beencancelled.
 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,characterized in that after the document has been picked up by thedocument support, it is dropped into the deposit magazine in a guidedmanner, in a way such that the document is turned by 180°.
 9. The methodaccording to any one or several of claims 1 to 8, characterized in thatbefore the top document is engaged by suction, the entire stack ofdocuments is lifted by admitting compressed air from the bottom, andsucked back to the bottom of the magazine by reversing from the blowingto the suction operation after the top document has been picked up bysuction.
 10. A device for automatically inserting documents fordisplaying on a display device and/or for copying on a digitizingdevice, such as microfiches, microfilm jackets or the like, comprising aholding magazine for a stack of documents to be processed, a documentsupport, and a deposit magazine for the processed documents, wherebyprovision is made for means for transporting a document from the holdingmagazine to the document support and for transporting the document fromthe document support to the deposit magazine, characterized in that theholding magazine is comprised of a container adapted to the size of thedocuments and comprises a double-walled bottom part and double-walledside parts rising from said bottom part, in a manner such that thebottom part and the side parts jointly form a cavity that can beevacuated by means of a suction device; that the inner walls of the sideparts have openings; that the means for transporting a document from theholding magazine to the document support consists of a plane boardprovided with suction openings, whereby the suction openings areconnected with a suction device and can be completely covered by thedocument picked up by suction; and that provision is made for means forforming gap areas between the board and the side parts.
 11. The deviceaccording to claim 10, characterized in that the plane board providedwith the suction openings is part of a housing displaceable on guides,said housing being divided in two part areas by means of a partitionwall, whereby one of the part areas is arranged above the suctionopenings and can be evacuated by means of a suction blower arranged inthe second part area, and whereby the second part area has an openingaligned with an opening in the holding magazine, in a manner such thatthe air aspirated from the first part area is received in thedouble-walled bottom part of the holding magazine.
 12. The deviceaccording to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a suction blower isarranged in the double-walled bottom part of the holding magazine, saidsuction blower projecting from the side wall of the holding magazine onthe blower side.
 13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12,characterized in that in the plane board provided with the suctionopenings, a downwardly projecting microswitch is arranged above theplane of the board.
 14. The device according to any one of claims 10 to12, characterized in that in the holding magazine, provision is made inthe path of the flow of air of the suction blower provided in thetransport means for a microswitch actuated by the flow of air.
 15. Thedevice according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in thatthe document support is comprised of a frame corresponding with thedimensions of the document, with a glass panel covering the documentbeing articulated on said frame.
 16. The device according to claim 15,characterized in that the glass panel is secured on two U-shapedcantilevered arms that can be pivoted from the covering position into arelease position by means of an electric motor.
 17. The device accordingto claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the frame consists of hollowprofiles, whereby the inner profile walls have openings at their endspointing at the document and the cavities in the hollow profiles can beevacuated.
 18. The device according to any one of claims 15 to 17,characterized in that the glass panel is secured on the cantileveredarms by means of a double-sided adhesive ribbon.
 19. The deviceaccording to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that thecantilevered arms are jointed in the zone of the fastening points of theglass panel, in a manner such that a play of a few angular degrees ispermitted.
 20. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 19,characterized in that the holding magazine is arranged on the bottom ofthe housing; that it has an opening at its upper side corresponding withthe dimensions of the document; and that a guide extends from saidopening to the deposit magazine, said guide being designed in such a waythat the document dropping through the opening describes a path turningthe document by 180°.
 21. The device according to any one or several ofclaims 11 to 20, characterized in that the deposit magazine is arrangedbetween the holding magazine and the document support.
 22. The deviceaccording to any one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that thedocument support is arranged between the holding magazine and thedeposit magazine.
 23. The device according to claim 22, characterized inthat for transporting the document from the document support to thedeposit magazine, provision is made for a second transport means capableof being pivoted by an angle of about 150° anticlockwise, or by about210° clockwise in a plane extending perpendicular to the plane of thedocument support.
 24. The device according to claim 23, characterized inthat the suction opening(s) in the plate of the transport means can beconnected with the suction device via slots arranged in the guide forthe swiveling movement, said slots opening during the swivelingmovement.
 25. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 24,characterized in that a connection with the atmosphere can beestablished through closable openings located above the suction openingsin the one or two transport means.